Gal-Gone-Camping

Hello Friends!

Welcome to ‘Go Wild! Camp & Cruise Alaska,’ the 2nd in a 4 part series.

“North, to Alaska!”

The second port of call on my cruise to Southeast Alaska was the one I was most excited about, even though the entire trip was beyond words!

Skagway...in my mind, just the name conjures up images of rugged country, gold, a wild western town, hard living, adventure; a haven for drifters and explorers.

Though things are a little calmer these days, that pretty much describes the town that became the gateway to the Alaska-Canadian Gold Rush in the late 1800’s.  It was 1896 to be exact, when the first flakes of gold were found in Bonanza Creek in the Klondike; setting the gold craze in motion.  This gold discovery sparked one of the largest migrations in US history and eventually inspired the 1960 movie “North to Alaska, starring John Wayne, and produced a number 1 hit song of the same title by the legendary Johnny Horton.

Chilkoot Pass/Whitepass and the “Golden Staircase”

Skagway is located at the base of the Klondike Mountains, where a known trail called the Chilkoot Pass was already in place, although extremely rough. A couple of explorers and gold prospectors forged a new, easier route through the mountains to the headwaters of the Yukon

River, which was named White Pass, and later evolved into a railroad that was completed in 1900.  The railroad served the logging and mining industries for many years and is now used to carry tourists from Skagway to Canada and the Yukon Territory.

Tens of thousands of prospectors set sail on steamships on the 600 mile journey through the inside passage of Alaska. After reaching Skagway and Dyea, another nearby town, they stampeded the Klondike through the Chilkoot Pass known as the ‘Golden Staircase,’ on a treacherous quest for gold and a better life that it would bring.

Unfortunately, many people died and only a handful struck it rich.  The town of Skagway was one of the biggest winners; profiting from gold indirectly off every person that came through its doors.  They were either buying supplies to hunt for gold or buying goods with the gold they found.  Either way, Skagway couldn’t lose.

Perhaps the most famous gold seeker of all was a 20 year old lad named Jack London who would later become a best selling author; penning stories about his Alaska experience including “The Call of the Wild,” and White Fang.”

Fast forward 120 some years later, and Skagway is still a winner, in the middle of what is now the Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park. 

Stampeding Tourists

The stampeders now are tourists, still venturing over the Klondike Mountains and Goldfields in search of treasure of a different kind–to make their lives a little richer by experiencing what only this land can offer…indescribable beauty and a one of a kind spiritual experience.

On top of that, you can still search for, and actually find gold here!  You can experience an old western town; as Skagway is much the same as it was in the 1800’s.

 

 

Many of the buildings are original and have been restored.  You can still find ‘saloon girls’ at the historic Red Onion Saloon, which also served as the finest brothel around.  Their slogan “Our Business is Your Pleasure!” refers to the restaurant, bar, and museum it is now, but certainly had a different meaning back in its heyday! The Red Onion is a must do in Skagway.

There’s so much to see and do here!  From roaming the town and visiting shops and museums to discovering the outlying areas like the Gold Rush Cemetery where colorful characters such as villain Soapy Smith and hero Frank Reid lay.  A visit to Liarsville Camp or Dredge Town and a fresh salmon bake may be to your liking.

If you get tired of walking, take the historic Alaska Street Car tour, a fun way to get around town.

If I had to choose only one thing to do while in Skagway, I would absolutely say the White Pass & Yukon Railroad train trip! Get on board and relax as you are transported through some of the most breathtaking scenery you can imagine. Or you can stand up the entire time in between the train cars like I did to get those perfect pics.  I couldn’t feel my limbs for a while but it was so worth it!

 

Choose Your Adventure!

This is a hiker’s dream with so many trails to choose from.  You can even tackle the Chilkoot, but hiking the entire trail takes a few days and requires a permit.  For information call 800-661-0486. You may choose to schedule a boat, Jeep or seaplane tour, or activities such as dog sledding, wildlife viewing, fishing,rock climbing, rappelling, ziplining, horseback riding, or suit up and enter a cold chamber where you can do the “40 below” experience.  Alaska is a photographer’s paradise–and I was in it!  I took advantage of every photo opportunity I could and still didn’t get enough.  Oh well, guess I’ll just have to go back!

 

 

Choose Your Base Camp!

Unlike Icy Strait Point, Skagway is not on an island, so you can drive here, and there are a few campgrounds/RV Parks.  I suggest you make your base camp at one of the two RV parks within walking distance of town–Pullen Creek  http://pullencreekrvpark.com or Garden City http://skagwayrvparks.com. Both parks are $45 per night and close to all area attractions. Both are open April through October. The Dyea Campground is located nine miles from Skagway and a short drive to the historic town of Dyea.  This campground is maintained by the National Park Service and is open as long as there is no snow. There are no hookups available, so you will need to bring drinking water as well as firewood. This is a first come, first served, self-registering facility.  The fee is only $10 per night–much more economical than the campgrounds in Skagway, so if you want to save some money, you can stay here and drive to either town.

 Caution on the Klondike Highway

Once you have checked off everything in Skagway, travel the Klondike Highway, one of the most scenic routes in America, through White Pass to the Yukon and into the interior of Alaska.  Be cautious and drive safely; as you will be sharing the road with big trucks, tours buses, RV’s, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.

Unlimited Camping!

Camping is unlimited!  With so many beautiful vistas, you just pull over and park.  Boondocking is at its best here, as is backpack camping. All of Alaska is home to bears–a lot of them, so once again, use common sense when hiking and camping in the backcountry or anywhere. Store food in bear proof containers and contact the US Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us for up to date information. Most of Alaska is federal land maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  As with most all BLM land you can camp for 14 days in one spot before moving to another, no permits required, but as always–respect the land!

Check Alaska Off Your Bucket List!

I got to check off one of the things on my bucket list when I panned for gold.  My flakes weighed in at $13.50, which I opted to have put into a pendant.  Yes, I could’ve been one of those rebel women of the gold rush!  For as long as I can remember I have loved the 1800’s western era, the thrill of prospecting for gold, and the beauty and diversity of the western landscape.

Alaska is all that–magnified to the max.  Skagway is an incredible place.  I highly recommend you make it a stop on your Alaska trip–whether by ship, plane, or RV.

Alaska is still a haven for drifters and nomads who long to escape society, and I plan to drift back there myself someday.  This place is so far removed from the lower 48; and not just geographically. You have to come here to understand it.  I found myself not wanting to leave. One thing is for sure–Skagway and all of Alaska is pure adventure!  I feel such a connection to this place.  It’s like I left part of my soul there.

Until next time, remember….Don’t Wait to Live!

See ya down the road,

Catrina

Coming up…Go Wild! Camp & Cruise Alaska–Part 3–Glacier Bay, A Serene, Otherworldly Experience